Andreas Mikkelsen has signed a two-year deal with Hyundai that will put him back at the championship’s top level in 2018 and 2019.
The Norwegian will compete in all rounds of the 2018 championship in a Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, co-driven by Anders Jæger.
The pair will join Hyundai’s existing WRC crews of Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul, Dani Sordo/Marc Martí and Hayden Paddon/Seb Marshall – all of whom remain under contract for 2018.
After losing his full-time drive last season following Volkswagen’s withdrawal from the series, Mikkelsen said he was delighted that Hyundai had offered him the chance to return.
“Even before my first rally with the team, I feel that I have settled in quickly, and it is clear to me that I am joining a world-class team with realistic chances of fighting for both Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ championships,” he said.
“I look forward to helping to achieve these goals from Rallye Monte-Carlo next year, and making my own presence felt in the drivers’ title fight.”
Mikkelsen will join Hyundai’s WRC squad for the last three rounds this season, starting with the upcoming RallyRACC Catalunya – Rally de España (5 – 8 October).
Team Principal Michel Nandan is confident that Mikkelsen will make a strong contribution to the squad.
“Andreas is one of those rally drivers who fits in quickly and just gets straight down to business,”he said. “From the few times he has already been to visit the factory in Alzenau, his determination and professionalism have shone through.”
“We are pleased to have him on board in a full-time capacity for two complete seasons. He has already had the chance to experience the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC in testing, and has delivered us positive and useful feedback. He has also driven our i20 R5, which has further allowed him to integrate into all areas of our team.
“We can’t wait to see him in action as a Hyundai Motorsport driver in the final three events of the season, into next year and beyond.”
